NFL Power Rankings - Belichick hands Indy the No. 1 rank
Finally, the NFL power rankings feature a new king of the castle. Largely because Bill Belichick’s fourth-and-two gamble didn’t pay off, the Colts beat the Patriots in a stunning comeback to remain undefeated and ascend to the top of our sports betting ranks. Here’s how the entire ladder shapes up.
1. (2) Indianapolis (9-0)
ATS: 5-4; O/U: 4-5
It’s safe to say the Colts had the more impressive win than their undefeated counterparts in the NFC. Seeing Peyton Manning lead scoring drive after scoring drive against the No. 4 pass defense in the league shows that he’s here to stay as a big-game quarterback. The Ravens do pose a major threat this week thanks to their power running game, however.
2. (1) New Orleans (9-0)
ATS: 6-3; O/U: 6-3
In terms of their Super Bowl hopes, we shouldn’t put much stock into the Saints’ mail-in job against St. Louis last week. In an NFL betting context, however, we have to watch out for this midseason lull. Another cupcake match against Tampa this week could see the Bucs cover the big spread.
3. (4) Minnesota (8-1)
ATS: 5-3-1; O/U: 6-3
We knew they’d be online betting juggernauts this season but did anyone expect them to totally run away with the NFC North? That’s what’s happening right now. Even if Brett Favre tires, he has far more help in Minny than he had in New York last year – on either side of the ball.
4. (7) Cincinnati (7-2)
ATS: 6-3; O/U: 4-5
Long live the Bungles! It’s safe to say they aren’t going away now after their impressive win at Pittsburgh. The Bengals have allowed the second-fewest points in football and have competent passing and rushing attack. As long as Cedric Benson recovers relatively soon and Larry Johnson doesn’t poison the locker room, the Bengals have a shot to host a playoff game.
5. (3) Pittsburgh (6-3)
ATS: 3-6; O/U: 4-5
Ooh, that home loss to Cincy sure does sting. Now it’s time for the Steelers to get angry. Their next four matchups include Kansas City, Oakland and Cleveland; they need to steamroll to show they can contend for the Super Bowl again.
6. (12) San Diego (6-3)
ATS: 4-5; O/U: 5-3-1
After we call them pretenders they slap us in the face with wins over the Giants and Eagles. They’re not perfect – LT won’t turn back the clock again unless he has a second baby this week – but they have the inside track to win the AFC West.
7. (6) New England (6-3)
ATS: 5-4; O/U: 4-5
A one-point loss to the No. 1 team only drops the Pats one spot. It seems their “D” is vulnerable against elite offenses but Tom Brady is rolling. New England will make the playoffs.
8. (11) Arizona (6-3)
ATS: 6-3; O/U: 4-5
Kurt Warner is carving up defenses left and right since that embarrassing loss to Carolina. Is there any way the trend doesn’t continue versus the Rams this week? The Cards look like runaway winners in the NFC West.
9. (5) Dallas (6-3)
ATS: 5-4; O/U: 5-4
Frustrating loss to the Packers but America’s Team won’t panic...yet. A home matchup versus Washington is a nice remedy. Beware the annual Tony Romo late-season collapse, though...it’s on the horizon.
10. (8) Philadelphia (5-4)
ATS: 5-4; O/U: 7-2
The Eagles may have lost Brian Westbrook forever after he suffered another concussion last week. The LeSean McCoy era begins and Philly has to hope he learns quickly. Philly is battling injuries to the secondary so it needs to score its way into the playoffs.
11. (9) Denver (6-3)
ATS: 6-3; O/U: 2-7
12. (10) Atlanta (5-4)
ATS: 6-3; O/U: 6-3
13. (14) Baltimore (5-4)
ATS: 6-3; O/U: 4-5
14. (13) New York Giants (5-4)
ATS: 5-4; O/U: 5-3-1
15. (19) Green Bay (5-4)
ATS: 5-4; O/U: 5-4
16. (17) Jacksonville (5-4)
ATS: 4-5; O/U: 6-3
17. (20) Carolina (4-5)
ATS: 4-5; O/U: 5-4
18. (18) Tennessee (3-6)
ATS: 4-5; O/U: 6-3
19. (15) Houston (5-4)
ATS: 5-3-1; O/U: 3-6
20. (21) San Francisco (4-5)
ATS: 6-2-1; O/U: 4-5
21. (22) Miami (4-5)
ATS: 4-5; O/U: 6-3
22. (16) Chicago (4-5)
ATS: 4-5; O/U: 4-5
23. (23) New York Jets (4-5)
ATS: 4-5; O/U: 5-4
24. (24) Seattle (3-6)
ATS: 3-6; O/U: 5-4
25. (28) Washington (3-6)
ATS: 2-7; O/U: 4-5
26. (29) Kansas City (2-7)
ATS: 4-5; O/U: 4-3-2
27. (25) Buffalo (3-6)
ATS: 4-5; O/U: 4-5
28. (27) Tampa Bay (1-8)
ATS: 3-6; O/U: 6-3
29. (30) St. Louis (1-8)
ATS: 4-5; O/U: 5-4
30. (26) Oakland (2-7)
ATs: 4-5; O/U: 3-6
31. (31) Detroit (1-8)
ATS: 2-6-1; O/U: 4-5
32. (32) Cleveland (1-8)
ATS: 3-6; O/U: 3-6
Do the Colts and Saints have rude sportsbook awakenings in store this week? Check out the NFL power rankings to find out next week at betonline.com.
